Fantasy novel by
Sean Russell.
* * * * 1/2
The
Supreme Master of the order of
Botahara is hiding a terrible secret: The original scrolls of
Botahara have been stolen and replaced by copies!
Although the secret is well-kept, this is having mystical consequences throughout the Empire: The old Emperor has been overthrown by a general hostile to the Botaharist movement, Botaharist brothers are being attacked by highwaymen, others are dying of plague!. Rival monastic orders are gaining power in the empire, and the Botaharist Sisters are becoming annoyingly assertive...
In the middle of all this, these appears a young monk with powers of
chi not seen since Botahara himself. Brother
Shuyun is sent to be spiritual adviser to
Lord Shonto, one of the old Emeror's greatest generals. Unfortunately, the new Emperor views Shonto as the greatest threat to his power....
I cannot begin to describe what a delight it is to read this book. Set in a world that is sometimes like ancient
Japan, sometimes like ancient
China, it is an enthralling story. It was nearly unbearable to wait two whole years for the second half of the story,
Gatherer of Clouds, to come out.